Live traps have been set in the residence to capture others in apartment on W. Gray St.

Three dozen cats were found this week in an Elmira home that were dehydrated and severely underweight, city Animal Control said.

City police directed animal control on Wednesday to go to an address in the 800 block of West Gray Street. About 40 cats were discovered occupying an apartment, animal control said.

Animal control said it worked until 9 p.m. Wednesday moving cats and returned again Thursday morning to continue the operation. At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 36 cats were caught and removed to the Elmira Animal Shelter, where they have been identified, examined , vaccinated and treated for any medical needs. All 36 cats were dehydrated and severely underweight.

Live traps have been set in the residence, and animal control said it will continue the operation until all of the cats are removed.

Efforts were unsuccessful Friday to reach Craig Spencer, the city's animal control director, for comment.